Literature is full of impressive female characters and now you can enjoy four feisty females from your favourite novelists!

So join us this autumn/winter for cosy nights in with other literature fans to take a fresh look at feisty females Elizabeth Bennet from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Shirley from Charlotte Bronte’s Shirley, Margaret from Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South and Esther from George Moore’s Esther Waters.

All four heroines hold fast to their principles and they get what they want by the end of their respective novels. But which one impresses you most? Do any of them sell out? Do they have any weaknesses? And what are their authors saying about the choices that women have in their respective periods?

Join the debate with Sherry Ashworth’s new online course. Each month we’ll focus on one heroine in her novel.

This month’s session will focus on Shirley from Charlotte Bronte’s Shirley

The class will begin with us all reading a key passage together, and then there will be breakout discussion in which everyone gets to express their view. The course is suitable for the general reader who wants to delve deeper into 19th century writing. Knowledge of the novels is desirable but not essential, just a willingness to get stuck in!

Sessions will take place on zoom and numbers are limited to allow an inclusive discussion with the chance for all to take part. Please note these sessions will not be recorded as we do not have permissions from attendees.

Every second Wednesday* of the month September – December 2025, 7-9pm